Laying Our Lives Down for Others

And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." (Luke 22:42 NKJV)

 

Have you ever had difficult defining moments in your life, when you just did not want to do something, but you knew it was essential for the fulfillment of God's purposes in your life?

At the beginning of our walk, it might mean laying down addictions or detrimental behaviors at the foot of the cross. As we progress, it may mean standing up to fallacious mindsets or overcoming our fear of man. We might experience this when we decide to share the gospel with someone, or to step out of our comfort zone doing things we are afraid to do.

Just as a husband lays down his life for his bride in a marriage, Jesus laid down His life for His bride.  As Christians we are to lay down our lives for others, so that they might experience the life of Christ more fully. 

This doesn't necessarily mean we do anything and everything others want us to.  It means submitting to godly leadership, yes.  But it means hearing the voice of God in our lives, receiving His instruction, and doing it. "But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it - not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it - they will be blessed in what they do."  -James 1:25   It means making sacrifices and being uncomfortable so that others can experience life. 

John Maxwell said, "If we are growing we are always going to be outside our comfort zone." In fact, if we aren't experiencing some discomfort in our calling, it's likely we aren't very threatening to the kingdom of darkness.  

As Christians, we are responsible to serve and lay down our lives for those we are called to touch.  Are you willing to lay down your life?